In an inspiring episode of the Ol' Boy Podcast, host Chad Ward sits down with Tyler Joe Miller, an accomplished Canadian country musician who has stormed the charts with a string of successful hits. As we dive into Tyler’s journey, we unravel the fascinating narrative of his unique transition from church music to becoming a sensational independent country artist in Canada.
A Humble Beginning at Church
Tyler Joe Miller's musical journey is deeply rooted in his involvement with church music. His early experiences in the choir and performing with his band for large audiences in religious settings played a crucial role in shaping his stage presence and crowd engagement skills. Tyler’s dynamic live performances, where he is known for getting the crowd involved, are traceable to these formative years.
He initially aspired to be an actor but found his passion steering towards music through his involvement with church and youth groups. The transition from alternative rock to country music wasn’t immediate, but the foundation laid during his early years was invaluable.
Striking Gold in Country Music
The road to country music stardom wasn’t straightforward for Tyler. Initially hesitant, his perspective shifted when Willy Wu, recognizing his talent, encouraged him to pursue a professional music career. Despite his initial indifference, Tyler decided to take a leap of faith. His cover video went viral, catching the attention of record labels and leading to his first song release just months before the COVID-19 pandemic. The release of his debut song marked the beginning of an impressive streak, placing all eight of his singles in the top ten on Canadian country radio.
Tyler’s storytelling prowess, influenced by country legends like Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers, George Strait, and Alan Jackson, is evident in his music. These influences have crafted his distinctive style, blending authentic narratives with compelling melodies.
Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic significantly impacted Tyler Joe Miller's trajectory, disrupting plans and tours. Despite these challenges, he persevered, prioritizing his ongoing humanitarian projects in Guatemala over shooting music videos. His work includes building projects and baby rescues, demonstrating his commitment to leveraging his platform for impactful causes. Both Tyler and Chad emphasize the balance between achieving musical success and contributing meaningfully to humanitarian efforts.
A Creative Approach to Touring
Tyler’s innovative spirit is showcased in the Country Mixtape tour, a unique format where the audience is kept guessing which artist would perform next. This setup, featuring artists singing covers and medleys together, fostered an electrifying atmosphere, drawing heavy involvement from the audience. Tyler shared amusing anecdotes from the tour, including one where he feared his intoxicated performance might disappoint, only to find out the crowd loved it.
Brewing Passion: From Music to Homebrewing
Beyond music, Tyler Joe Miller’s hobbies include homebrewing. His girlfriend's family owning a brewery sparked his interest, leading to the creation of various types of beer with friends. Notably, they developed a West Coast hopped Pilsner, the "Hook Line Pilsner," aimed at bridging the gap between blue-collar beer drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts. This passion for brewing not only adds depth to his persona but also exemplifies his creative versatility.
Navigating the Music Industry
The conversation also highlighted the complex landscape of the music industry. Tyler discussed the pivotal role of having a supportive team and a good lawyer to navigate contractual intricacies and financial challenges. His journey from his initial label to finding a new management team at Republic Live underscores the importance of aligning with the right partners.
Additionally, venturing into the US market presents new challenges and opportunities for Tyler. His connections in Nashville and aspirations to break into this market are ongoing endeavors, requiring him to balance time between his Canadian roots and Nashville’s musical hub.
Grounded in Humility and Philanthropy
Despite his growing success, Tyler Joe Miller remains grounded. His dedication to his foster child and family, prioritizing them amidst a hectic schedule, speaks volumes of his character. This humility extends to his philanthropic goals, where he aims to build a strong resume through music before seeking broader support for his nonprofit initiatives.
Looking Ahead
With a packed summer tour across Canada and plans to release a new EP or album by the end of the year, Tyler Joe Miller shows no signs of slowing down. Balancing his musical ambitions with humanitarian commitments and personal joys like hunting and cabin retreats, his journey continues to inspire. For those looking to follow his endeavors, Tyler remains active on social media under the username "Tyler Joe Miller," sharing snippets of his musical and philanthropic journey.
In conclusion, Tyler Joe Miller's story is a testament to following one's passion against the odds, blending talent, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Through his music and humanitarian efforts, he exemplifies the spirit of using one's platform for a greater good, a narrative that resonates deeply in today’s world.
Listen Here "My love for music actually started with going to church. I didn't grow up going to church, but my buddy invited me out one weekend that I was staying over to his place, and I was like, I don't know what this church thing is, but I'll go check it out." —Tyler Joe Miller
3 Fun Facts Tyler
Tyler Joe Miller's Country Mixtape tour had a unique format where the audience didn't know which artist was performing next, creating a party atmosphere with all artists on stage throughout the show.
Tyler shared a story about performing successfully despite being overly drunk, fearing disappointment but ultimately finding his performance was well-received.
Tyler is enthusiastic about homebrewing and collaborated with a brewery to create a west coast hopped Pilsner called the "Hook Line Pilsner."
